Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests
Pawnee National Grassland

Trails
Boulder Ranger District

Hiking

• Hiking Trails
• General Hiking Information
• Backcountry Leave No Trace Ethics
• Safety Tips
• Checklist of Day Use Gear

Hiking Trails:

* East of Peak to Peak Highway

General Hiking Information

The Boulder Ranger District has excellent hiking, whether you want an easy stroll to a scenic lake or a long, rugged climb to peaks above treeline on the Continental Divide. The hiking season depends on elevation and snowfall. West of the Peak-to-Peak Highway (Highways 119, 72 and 7), in the mountains above 10,000' the main hiking season is typically mid-July to mid-September. Hiking outside this timeframe is possible for those willing to posthole or carry snowshoes, but an ice axe is recommended if the trip will involve crossing snowfields. After the middle of September, it can snow at any time. Trails east of the Peak-to-Peak Highway are at lower elevations and have longer hiking seasons. These trails are marked above with an asterisk (*).

Backcountry Leave No Trace Ethics

Litter and debris can mar the quality of a recreation experience. Help others enjoy the national forest by carrying out what you carry in. Pack out all trash.

Pack out or bury human waste at least 200 feet from all open water and trails. Pack out all toilet paper.

Stay on the trail. Do not cut switchbacks, or walk beside the trail, even when the trail is muddy or snowy. On the tundra, try to step on rocks instead of plants. Tundra plants take many years to grow, and many more years to regenerate.

Respect private property and "No Trespass" signs. Do not enter buildings. Notify proper authorities if you find evidence of vandalism.

Use of campstoves is suggested, especially above treeline where wood is scarce or nonexistent. Open fires are not permitted on the east side of the Divide in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and in several areas of the west side. Where fire is allowed, keep it small and make it on non-flammable surfaces. Burn only dead and downed wood. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute. Make sure it is dead out before you leave (cool to the touch with your bare hand). Return the area to its natural state by scattering cooled ashes.

Do not pollute streams and lakes with soap. Carry the water at least 200 feet from the source. Use biodegradable soap and dump the waste water 200 feet from lakes and streams.

Leave the flowers and other natural or cultural objects for others to enjoy. State and federal laws prohibit the collecting of historic and prehistoric artifacts.

Observe animals from a safe distance. Keep your pets under control. State laws prohibit feeding, chasing or disturbing wildlife.

If you camp, choose a site 200 feet or more from streams, lakes and trails, and out of sight if possible. Camp on a non-vegetated site if you can, to avoid killing the plant life. Please do not build any structures at your campsite.

Many of the trails are in the Indian Peaks Wilderness or the James Peak Wilderness Area. Motorized vehicles and mechanized equipment, except wheel chairs, are not allowed in wilderness areas. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash within the Indian Peaks Wilderness and at developed recreation sites, such as campgrounds, picnic areas and most trailheads.

USDA Forest Service, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, Pawnee National Grassland
Website comments? Please let us know.
Last modified March 03, 2008